Sequence of Events
On 21 September 2023, a pilot holding a PPL(A) license with over 60 hours of flight time, undergoing training for a CPL(A) license, was operating a Cessna 152 (registration SP-GRM). The pilot was returning from a cross-country flight to Depułtycze Królewskie Airport (EPCD). While approaching the airport via waypoint NOVEMBER, the pilot received an instruction from the flight coordinator to enter a long final for runway 18L. Concurrently, the crew of a Tecnam P2006T (registration SP-CLE), consisting of an instructor and a student pilot, reported their return from a cross-country flight and received instructions to enter the third turn of a right-hand traffic pattern for runway 18L, and were informed they were first in the landing sequence. The Cessna pilot was advised they would be second in sequence.
During the straight-in approach, the Cessna pilot did not see the Tecnam in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported executing an orbit and initiated a right turn. Approximately at 13:10 LMT, after turning 90°, the Cessna found itself on a collision course with the Tecnam, which was positioned after its third turn of the right-hand pattern.
Aircraft entering the traffic pattern from a long final are required to give way to aircraft already in the pattern. The Cessna pilot was flying into the sun during the long final, which may have hindered visual acquisition of the Tecnam. Despite lacking visual contact, the Cessna pilot continued the approach until the fourth turn, then decided to execute a maneuver to establish separation. The pilot chose a full right turn, but the maneuver was significantly delayed and executed toward the approaching Tecnam, indicating a possible loss of situational awareness.
The Tecnam instructor spotted the Cessna and, to avoid a collision, quickly descended 200 ft while turning right. After the pass, the Tecnam crew continued in a left-hand pattern for runway 18L. After the Tecnam crew reported a downwind position for runway 18L, the flight coordinator informed them they were first in sequence. Shortly after, the Cessna pilot also reported a downwind position, but in a right-hand pattern for runway 18L, and was advised they were second in sequence. Both aircraft then continued in their respective left and right patterns, approaching the fourth turn.
Had the Cessna pilot accepted the flight coordinator's instruction, they should have extended their downwind leg to establish separation and join the fourth turn behind the Tecnam. However, the Cessna pilot did not take such action.
After the third turn of the left pattern for runway 18L, the Tecnam instructor observed the Cessna rapidly approaching and again on a collision course. To avoid a second dangerous close encounter, the instructor executed a steep descending turn toward runway 18L, increasing vertical separation. The Cessna performed a go-around and landed on its third approach.
Contributing Factors
1. Limited experience of the Cessna pilot. 2. The flight coordinator's instruction for the Cessna pilot to enter a long final while another aircraft was joining the traffic pattern. 3. Lack of situational awareness by the flight coordinator and delayed transmission of essential information to flight crews.
Probable Cause
The event was caused by continuing the approach to landing despite lack of visual contact with the preceding aircraft, leading to dangerous close encounters.
Aftermath
Post-flight, the Cessna pilot stated they did not see the twin-engine Tecnam. The Tecnam instructor confirmed that the Cessna twice cut in front of them at close range. During one approach, the Tecnam was operating with one engine throttled back.
Preventive actions included discussions with the Cessna pilot and the flight coordinator, reviewing the errors made during the incident. No safety recommendations were formulated.